Fellowship Programs | Orthopaedics | UC Davis Health

Train at the Vanguard of Musculoskeletal Medicine

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Programs at UC Davis Health. As a premier level 1 trauma and academic medical center, we offer an unparalleled environment for advanced subspecialty training. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders, innovators, and academic surgeons in orthopaedics. 

Why Choose UC Davis Health for Your Fellowship?

World-Class Mentorship

Our fellows train directly under internationally renowned faculty, many of whom are dual-fellowship trained. This unique depth of expertise provides you with a cross-disciplinary perspective on complex case management, advanced surgical techniques, and varied philosophies of care that you cannot get in standard single-track programs.

Robust Research and Clinical Investigation

Fellows have dedicated research time and access to state-of-the-art basic science, translational, and biomechanical labs. Whether your goal is a high-impact publication or a career in academic medicine, our faculty provides the resources, data infrastructure, and editorial mentorship to launch your academic career.

Unmatched Clinical Volume and Complexity

As the primary tertiary referral center for Northern California and the Central Valley, our clinical volume ensures you will encounter rare pathologies, high-energy trauma, and complex revision surgeries. You will graduate with the surgical confidence to handle the most demanding cases in private or academic practice.

Our Elite Fellowship Opportunities

We offer distinct, highly specialized fellowship tracks tailored to your career trajectory.

Adult Reconstruction Fellowship

Primary and complex revision hip and knee arthroplasty, anterior hip approaches, robotic-assisted surgery, and the management of periprosthetic joint infections and fractures.

Foot and Ankle Fellowship

Advanced reconstruction, total ankle arthroplasty, sports-related foot and ankle injuries, trauma arthrodesis, and complex deformity correction.

Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Fellowship

Complex hand and upper extremity reconstruction, congenital hand differences, brachial plexus injuries, microvascular surgery, and replantation.

Sarcoma Advanced Research and Clinical Fellowship

Comprehensive evaluation and operative management of adult and pediatric musculoskeletal neoplasia, including skeletal and soft tissue sarcomas, benign tumors, complex metastatic disease, and metabolic bone disorders.

Spine Surgery Fellowship

Full spectrum of spinal pathology, including adult and pediatric deformity, degenerative conditions, spinal oncology, trauma, and minimally invasive (MIS) techniques.

Trauma Fellowship

High-energy pelvic and acetabular fractures, nonunions, malunions, and multi-system polytrauma management in a high-volume level 1 trauma center.

Shriners and UC Davis Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship

Pediatric spine deformity, neuromuscular disorders, limb lengthening, clubfoot, and hip dysplasia at the acclaimed Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California and UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

How to Apply

We participate in the San Francisco Match (SF Match) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), depending on the subspecialty.

Our minimal requirements for selection include the completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in Orthopaedic Surgery, eligibility for a California Medical license, three letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae. Individuals interested in applying for the Adult Reconstruction Fellowship should apply through SF Match. For more information, please visit the AAAHKS (American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons) website.